Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in Spanish! Whether you’re looking for formal or informal variations, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through various ways to express “what” in Spanish, offering you tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “What” in Spanish
Formal situations often require a certain degree of respect and politeness. To address the formal way of saying “what” in Spanish, you can use the following expressions:
a) ¿Cómo?
When asking “what?” in a formal context, you can use “¿Cómo?” which translates to “How?” in English. This is commonly used when you didn’t hear or understand something and require clarification.
Example: Perdón, no escuché bien. ¿Cómo?
(Excuse me, I didn’t hear properly. What was that?)
b) ¿Perdón?
Another way to say “what?” in a formal manner is by using “¿Perdón?” which is equivalent to “Pardon?” or “Excuse me?”. It shows respect and politeness when seeking further information or clarification.
Example: ¿Perdón? ¿Podría repetir eso, por favor?
(Excuse me? Could you repeat that, please?)
2. Informal Ways to Say “What” in Spanish
Informal situations among friends, family, or close acquaintances allow for a more casual language. Below are a couple of informal expressions to say “what” in Spanish:
a) ¿Qué?
Using “¿Qué?” is the most common and versatile way to say “what” in Spanish. It’s suitable for nearly all informal situations and can be used to seek clarification or express surprise and confusion.
Example: ¿Qué haces este fin de semana?
(What are you doing this weekend?)
b) ¿Cómo?
In informal contexts, “¿Cómo?” can also be used to mean “what” when seeking further information or understanding.
Example: ¿Cómo? ¿No vas a venir a la fiesta?
(What? You’re not coming to the party?)
3. Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in various regions around the world, and while the expressions mentioned earlier are widely understood and used, some countries or areas may have their own regional variations. Here are a few notable examples:
a) ¿Mande? (Mexico)
In Mexico, particularly in more traditional areas, it’s common to use “¿Mande?” as a polite way of saying “what?”. It is used to request repetition or clarification, similar to “¿Cómo?” in a formal setting.
b) ¿Cómo?
In certain parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, “¿Cómo?” is sometimes used informally to ask “what?” or express surprise.
Conclusion
Now you’re equipped with various expressions to say “what” in Spanish, both formally and informally. Remember to adjust your choice based on the context and level of formality you wish to convey. Whether you opt for “¿Cómo?”, “¿Perdón?”, or “¿Qué?”, you’ll be able to effectively communicate and seek further information in any situation. Enjoy practicing these expressions and dive deeper into the beautiful world of the Spanish language!
